Bean came across a former student from 28 years ago who is now retiring. The man told Bean that he helped him get into law enforcement.

"I will stay active in law enforcement," Bean said.

Just because he is leaving his chief role in Gladwin, Bean said that doesn't mean he won't still be around.

"Gladwin has a special place in my heart," Bean said.

Gladwin Mayor Dee Jungman held back tears as she read Bean's resignation letter during Monday's city council meeting.

"He was one of the best police chiefs and he really got a raw deal," Jungman said of city council shooting down Bean's 5 and 4 percent raises over two years in a two-year contract. Bean's contract expired in October. Instead, they offered him a 2 percent raise in 2019 and 3 percent in 2020. Bean turned it down and opted to consider other opportunities.

Bean brought new technology and was active in drug enforcement to the department. The chief said drugs remain a plague on the city. He said opioids are beginning to fade, but heroin and methamphetamine appear to be taking over.

Bean along with other area law enforcement, Department of Human Services and county mental health were hoping to bring in Hope Not Handcuffs into the area. Bean won't be here for the presentation. Yet, he hopes the new chief will take part.

"It's a state program with all volunteers," Bean said. "It breaks down the barriers and helps people that can't afford rehab."

Bean said the program will aid in changing the climate where people used to fear police. Now they find they can come to the police for help.

Bean led a staff of five full-time and seven part-time officers.

"This city has been very good to me," Bean said. "Thank you to the citizens, the mayor and the city council."